Civil defence dept officer arrested for shooting Perahera elephant ‘Sita’ granted bail

Date:

Colombo (LNW): The civil defence officer who was arrested over the accidental shooting of a female elephant named ‘Sita’ has been granted bail today (30).

The officer from the Civil Defence Department working with the Mapakada Wewa Wildlife Regional Office was arrested for shooting ‘Sita’, a female elephant that had been part of the annual Randoli Perahera at Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya.

The incident occurred at about 3:30 am this morning when the officer mistakenly identified ‘Sita’ as a wild elephant after she crossed the river.

Despite being informed by bystanders that ‘Sita’ was not a wild elephant, the officer proceeded with the shooting.

After being shot, 48-year old ‘Sita’ was tethered to a tree near the Mahaweli River, and received immediate medical attention from the Wildlife Conservation Department’s veterinary surgeons post-injury.

The officer in question had used rubber bullets aiming to deter wild elephants in the area, unintentionally injuring ‘Sita’, said Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department M.G.C. Sooriyabandara.

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Millions spent on school rebranding with no real change, CoPA discovers

Millions Spent on School Rebranding with No Real Change, CoPE discovers

British lawmakers explore historic heart of Sri Lankan governance

British lawmakers explore historic heart of Sri Lankan governance

Multiple provinces to witness showers (Jul 27)

Multiple provinces to witness showers (Jul 27)

Serious Allegations Surface Over Tax Manipulation in Import of BYD Brand New Vehicles

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament Mujibur...